The Chief Judge of Delta State, Hon. Justice Theresa O. Diai, has ordered the release of eight inmates from the Correctional facilities in Warri and Sapele, as part of efforts to ensure that cases are dispensed judiciously and within the permissible time frame in the state Custodial Centres .
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday during the prison visit to Sapele Custodial Centre, Hon. Justice Diai stated that out of a total of 362 warrants reviewed in Warri Custodial centre, 2 inmates were freed on the ground that their cases were dismissed at the Federal High Court, Warri while 152 warrants reviewed in Sapele Custodial Centre, 6 inmates were release based on the legal advice from the Department of Public Prosecutions that they have no case to answer.
The Chief Judge who visited the facilities was accompanied by Judges, the Chief Registrar, Director of Public Prosecutions and law officers from Ministry of Justice, she explained that the prison visit ” apart from being an avowed commitment and collective determination of Delta State Judiciary and Ministry of Justice to decongest Correctional Centres in the state, it is also to ensure that no one stays in the prison a day longer than necessary by promoting speedy determination of criminal trials.
The Chief Judge urged the freed inmates to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid any actions that could lead to re-incarceration, warning that they might not be so fortunate again.
Justice Diai commended the judges handling the cases, the Deputy Controllers of corrections, Warri and Sapele Custodial Centres and the Department of Public Prosecutions, Ministry of Justice, as well as every other person involved in the exercise for their efforts in ensuring the success of the visit and their diligence in Prosecution of the matters adding that most of the cases were at the advanced stages.
In their welcome addresses, the Deputy Controllers of correction, Warri, Mr k. Emereibeole and Sapele Custodial Centre, Mr M. A Egbe, commended the state Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice for their continuous effort aimed at decongesting the facilities . They observed with dismay that there has been an increase in the admission of youths between the age bracket of 18-25 years into this facilities within this period, more than ever. Just as they called for sensitization and crusade through various means to the general public on proper child up bringing.
While appreciating the synergy among the Correctional centres, Ministry of Justice, and the Judiciary, they also described the challenges facing the facilities, including poor logistics and man power shortage.
